PMO Strategies

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of WorkingIn this episode, Laura Barnard is joined by longtime friend and productivity powerhouse Elise Stevens to explore how AI is revolutionizing project delivery. Together, they break down the myths about AI taking over jobs and instead show how smart use of AI can elevate the role of delivery leaders. From email communication to risk management, Elise and Laura offer real-world, tactical advice on how to integrate AI to reduce admin burden and boost strategic IMPACT.  What You’ll Learn:  Why AI won’t replace delivery leaders but will elevate them instead How to use AI tactically to simplify daily project tasks  How to reduce admin work and create more space for strategic engagement Which AI tools and strategies can accelerate delivery while lowering stress Why the best starting point is low-stakes, high-frustration work 👉 Press play to explore how AI is revolutionizing project delivery.  Connect with Elise: Follow on LinkedIn Check out her website P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Confidence isn't just something you have; it's forged through action. Overcoming challenges boosts your competence, which naturally leads to confidence. Experiences like a botched keynote can ground you and reshape your approach to fear and risk. Engaging in practice, rather than waiting for the perfect moment, is essential for empowerment. Building skills through consistent effort and learning from feedback is key, ensuring that every small step you take builds the foundation for lasting confidence.

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsEveryone says PMOs manage projects. We say they build leaders. If you’re only focused on timelines and templates, you're missing your biggest opportunity: using real work to grow real leadership. In this episode, I’m joined by Dawn Mahan, founder of PMOtraining.com, international speaker, and creator of the award-winning ProjectFlo® Process Learning System. Dawn coined the term Projectland® and is the bestselling author of Meet the Players in Projectland, a game-changing guide to aligning roles and driving project success. Together, we show exactly how your PMO can become a leadership engine by turning everyday project roles into development opportunities. This isn’t about adding more to your plate — it’s about seeing the work already in motion as a platform for growth. Whether you're leading a small team or managing a full portfolio, you’ll walk away with clear strategies to build talent while delivering results. What You'll Learn: Why every role in “Projectland” is a chance to lead How to spot and support hidden talent across your organization Creative ways to build leadership skills in fast-paced environments How to frame the PMO as a leadership development partner for executives Why rotational roles, peer learning, and project-based growth can outperform traditional training 👉 Press play to discover how your PMO can shape the leaders your organization needs most. Connect with Dawn: Follow Dawn on LinkedIn Visit PMOtraining.com Access Meet the Players in Projectland🎧 Companion Episode: Don't miss Episode 250 – How to Build a PMO That Drives Results for deeper insights on this topic. Receive a confidential sample of Meet the Players in Projectland:  Decide the Right Project Roles & Get People on Board P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenIt’s time to end the turf war between product and project teams — and start building a system where both can win. In this episode, I’m outlining the exact steps to design a shared operating model that aligns product vision with delivery excellence. No more choosing sides. No more reorgs without results. Just a clear, practical path to accelerated strategy delivery. Learn to identify the key differences that make each role valuable — and show you how to turn tension into momentum, mismatched cadences into flow, and disconnected outputs into measurable outcomes. If your organization is serious about driving strategy forward, this episode is your blueprint. What You'll Learn: Why role confusion is wrecking your delivery speed How to co-create a delivery system — not just a plan The mindset shift from activity tracking to outcome delivery Ways to synchronize cadences and unify communication Why product–project tension isn’t a problem — it’s rocket fuel How shared wins create lasting IMPACT across the business 👉 Press play to learn how to align product and project teams around one system, one voice, and one mission. P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenIn this episode, I’m calling out one of the most misleading narratives in modern strategy delivery: the false choice between project-based and product-based delivery models. If your organization is stuck in a never-ending transformation loop — chasing Agile, shifting structures, debating delivery frameworks — this episode is your wake-up call. It’s not about projects vs. products. It’s about dysfunction vs. alignment. You’ll learn how the highest-performing organizations are breaking free from siloed thinking and aligning product managers, project managers, and delivery teams to drive outcomes, not just activity. If your teams are moving fast but going nowhere, it’s time to rethink your operating model — and I’ll show you how. What You'll Learn: Why the "project vs. product" debate is stalling progress How flawed operating models—not frameworks—are holding you back The critical role clarity executives keep overlooking How to align product vision with delivery excellence Why Agile alone won’t fix broken systems The model top-performing organizations use to accelerate results 👉 Press play to dismantle the false narrative and learn what really drives strategy delivery. P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next.  P.P.S. ONLY TWO SEATS LEFT!! Something Big is Coming to London! On June 13, I’m hosting a small-group, full-day workshop: IMPACT Engine Fundamentals. If you’re tired of being stuck in the task trap and ready to drive measurable business value, this is your chance. We’ll walk through the Strategy Lifecycle, explore the IMPACT Driver mindset, and give you the foundation to transform your PMO or delivery team into a strategic powerhouse. Reserve your seat now. Space running out, so don't wait! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsAre your projects stalling despite seemingly clear communication?In this episode, Laura Barnard reveals five deceptively simple questions that will transform your team’s clarity, accountability, and follow-through. These questions target the root causes of missed expectations and poor execution—often hidden in vague requests, assumptions, and unspoken blockers.Tune in to learn how to eliminate confusion, foster honest conversations, and accelerate momentum across your team. What You'll Learn: Why clarity in communication is often overestimated5 targeted questions to diagnose accountability breakdowns A framework to uncover hidden blockersWays to fast-track decision-making and eliminate delays 👉 Press play to start asking the questions that drive results. P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next.  P.P.S. I’m bringing the IMPACT Engine to London on June 13 for an exclusive, full-day workshop. If you're ready to move from tactical to truly strategic, this is your moment. There are only a few seats left — reserve yours here. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsSaying "no" can be one of the most IMPACTful leadership tools you can use.  Setting strategic boundaries is an often-overlooked professional skill. This practice can help you protect focus, drive real results, and model prioritization excellence for your team and stakeholders. Learn how mastering "yes," "yes, and," and "no" can accelerate your strategy delivery and boost your organizational value. Key Discussion Points: Why leadership isn't just about what you agree to do. How to use language to avoid overcommitting. The cost of not publishing a "Not Doing List." Three-step framework to organize priorities. Real-world examples of strategic prioritization in action. 👉 Press play to start learning when and how to say no. P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next.  P.P.S. I’m bringing the IMPACT Engine to London on June 13 for an exclusive, full-day workshop. If you're ready to move from tactical to truly strategic, this is your moment. Seats are limited and going fast — reserve yours here. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsIn this episode, I'm revealing the fatal mistake many PMO and transformation leaders make: pitching big changes before earning stakeholder trust. Together, let’s climb the "know, like, trust" ladder and guide your stakeholders through credibility, connection, and consistency to win lasting buy-in.Learn how to avoid fueling resistance and instead create powerful pull toward your ideas.What You'll Learn:Why big proposals often fail without trustHow to build credibility with quick winsThe "value ladder" approach for PMO successHow to move from "know, like, trust" to "try, buy, repeat, refer"👉 Press play to start building stakeholder trust for real transformation.P.S. 🎉 International PMO Day is almost here — this Tuesday, May 13! 🎉That’s right… it’s time to celebrate YOU and all the hard work PMOs do to drive IMPACT.Start planning your PMO party now! Whether it’s a team lunch, a virtual toast, or just a moment to treat yourself (hello, coffee break!), take time to recognize the powerhouse that is your PMO. Or better yet, team up with other PMOs in your organization and turn it into a full-on celebration!We're cooking up something special behind the scenes, so keep an eye on the newsletter—details coming soon!Let the countdown to PMO greatness begin... 🥳Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of WorkingWhen deadlines slip, you need more than a replan—you need a playbook. In this episode, Laura Barnard and project recovery expert Mark Woeppel share practical strategies to stop losing time, identify bottlenecks, rebuild stakeholder trust, and accelerate results using Visual Project Management techniques.Key Takeaways:Early warning signs your project is in troubleHow to use Visual Project Management for faster recoveryBreaking bottlenecks and regaining momentumRebuilding credibility with stakeholders👉 Press play to learn how you can turn late projects into big wins.Connect with Mark:Follow Mark on LinkedInCheck out his websiteP.S. 🎉 International PMO Day is almost here — Tuesday, May 13! 🎉That’s right… it’s time to celebrate YOU and all the hard work PMOs do to drive IMPACT.Start planning your PMO party now! Whether it’s a team lunch, a virtual toast, or just a moment to treat yourself (hello, coffee break!), take time to recognize the powerhouse that is your PMO. Or better yet, team up with other PMOs in your organization and turn it into a full-on celebration!We're cooking up something special behind the scenes, so keep an eye on the newsletter—details coming soon!Let the countdown to PMO greatness begin... 🥳Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsAre your training programs truly moving the needle? In this episode, I’m revealing why traditional training fails and how you can build lasting capability instead. If you’re leading a PMO, driving business transformation, or building project delivery excellence, this episode is your blueprint for real, measurable IMPACT. We’ll explore: Why knowledge alone isn’t enough The dangers of cram-and-exam bootcamps How to break bad habits and instill new ones What makes immersive learning experiences effective How to build a culture of measuring what truly matters Stop settling for passive training that doesn’t deliver results. 👉 Press play to start building real capability that drives transformation. P.S. 🎉 International PMO Day is almost here — Tuesday, May 13! 🎉 That’s right… it’s time to celebrate YOU and all the hard work PMOs do to drive IMPACT. Start planning your PMO party now! Whether it’s a team lunch, a virtual toast, or just a moment to treat yourself (hello, coffee break!), take time to recognize the powerhouse that is your PMO. Or better yet, team up with other PMOs in your organization and turn it into a full-on celebration! We're cooking up something special behind the scenes, so keep an eye on the newsletter—details coming soon! Let the countdown to PMO greatness begin... 🥳Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS